Border Closures Flouted for Recreational Purposes

Published on 07 April 2020

The result of audits being undertaken on the registration plates of vehicles parked at boat ramps and popular surf breaks in the City of Busselton indicate that many people from outside regions are flouting the internal border closures to undertake recreational pursuits in the South West.

Vehicle registration audit results are further supported by the anecdotal evidence of local people who have heard reports of people coming to the South West via backroads and lesser known routes specifically to fish and surf at spots including Smiths Beach, Injidup, Bears and Rabbits surf breaks.

Not only is this extremely careless behaviour, it also violates State legislation and could see those found here who don’t reside in the district and without an exemption, given an on-the-spot fine of $1000.

“The Easter school holiday break is traditionally very busy in the South West and we are concerned that people from Perth and other regions are still intending to come down to stay in holiday homes, to go out fishing and surfing as if nothing has changed – there is evidence that this is already occurring,” said Mayor Henley.

“If people travel here without legal exemption, they are breaking the law and putting people’s health at risk. The City is liaising with WA Police to increase the number of patrols in an effort to intercept those evading checkpoints and to undertake random license checks of drivers with vehicles registered to locations outside the district. 

“Ordinarily we would welcome visitors to the South West, but these are not ordinary times,” said Mayor Henley.

 “For the time being South West beaches, boat ramps and surf spots are for local residents noting that they too must adhere to gathering and social distancing regulations.”

If you have information about people deliberately flouting border restrictions and thereby increasing the risk of COVID-19 infection, please contact the police.

The Objectives outlined in this media release are aligned to Key Goal Area 1 in the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (Review 2019): Our community is welcoming, friendly and healthy. 

Media enquiries can be directed to the City’s Public Relations Coordinator, Meredith Dixon on 97810446 or [email protected]